Peter Dutton
Leader of the Opposition, Member for Dickson
“The right decisions aren’t always popular. But I’m not interested in taking the easy path, because we live in the best country in the world, and I’m determined to get Australia back on track.”
About Peter
Peter started his working life working part time after school in a butcher’s shop.
He later started a small family business which grew to employ 40 Australians.
For nine years, Peter served his community as a Police Officer.
He worked in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders Squads, with a focus on protecting women and children.
Peter was elected to Parliament in 2001. In 2006 John Howard appointed him Assistant Treasurer.
During his time as Minister for Health, Peter increased hospital funding by 16% over two years and established the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
As Home Affairs Minister, Peter oversaw critical agencies like the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.
As Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter was responsible for deporting thousands of violent criminals, overseeing Operation Sovereign Borders, and removing all children from detention.
As Minister for Defence, Peter delivered record funding for vital equipment to keep our country safe. He also helped deliver the AUKUS security partnership with the UK and the United States.
Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca, Harry and Tom.
The Latest From Peter
Stay up to date with Peter’s social content.
The Coalition is standing up for Tasmanian businesses, farmers, and industries with a $65 million investment to strengthen the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme.
For too long, rising costs have made it harder for Tasmanian producers to compete.
Our plan will deliver immediate relief, conduct an independent review to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose, and support those who rely on the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme.
Today, we met with Grant and the team at Spreyton Cider Company to hear firsthand the challenges businesses are facing.
This investment will help ensure Tasmania remains competitive and connected to markets across Australia and beyond.
Addressing the @lowyinstitute today in Sydney, talking about the Coalition’s commitment to defending our country in these difficult times.
We need to strengthen our defence quickly and on a large scale so we can be a more reliable partner in maintaining peace and deterrence.
Most importantly, we must become a stronger and more self-sufficient nation.
Only a Dutton Coalition Government has the experience and leadership to keep Australia safe and get Australia Back on Track.
29,000 businesses have collapsed under this government. Labor’s high-cost economy is crushing small businesses. We can`t afford another three years of this.
@howard4tangney, @mic4swan and local supporters are leading the charge for better infrastructure in their community.
Shelley Bridge is a vital transport link South of Perth, but peak-hour congestion is causing major delays for residents, commuters, parents on the school run, and students heading to Curtin University.
I want to lead a government that listens to local communities and delivers the infrastructure they need—so people can get home sooner and safer.
That’s why we need strong local voices like Howard and Mic in parliament.
Anthony Albanese has been holding up gas production and WA jobs for too long.
His government’s delays have put investment and energy security at risk—driving up prices and hurting local industries.
A Dutton Government will fast-track the North West Shelf decision in our first 30 days—because Australia`s economy and energy future can’t wait.
We’ll put an end to activist roadblocks, introduce a National Interest Test to ensure economic benefits are prioritised, and restore certainty for businesses and workers.
Great to talk about our plan to get our energy future Back on Track with Wally Edwards and the team at @holmangarden in Osborne Park.
@mic4swan is a dedicated, hardworking advocate for Swan, and it was fantastic to be in Burswood for his campaign launch.
Joined by hundreds of family, friends, colleagues, and supporters—all backing Mic and the strong team WA needs to get our country Back on Track.
Great to be in Pearce today, meeting locals who will benefit from the Coalition’s $1.2 million investment in better community infrastructure.
A new, accessible fishing platform at Mindarie-Quinns and upgraded parking at Quinns Rocks Foreshore will mean safer access to the coast for families, seniors, and local fishers. These are the kinds of projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Jan Norberger has been fighting hard for this community, and he delivers. Only by backing Jan will the people of Pearce have a strong local representative who gets things done.
Great to be in the studio with @jaseandlauren and the NovaFM team this morning to talk about my time as a police officer, why I got into politics, and the crime challenges facing Victoria today.
When the Coalition was in government, we secured an exemption from US steel and aluminium tariffs. If I’m Prime Minister, I’ll fight to do it again.
The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue wasn’t just an attack on the Jewish community—it was an attack on the Australian way of life.
Jewish Australians are being targeted in the streets, in schools, and even in their places of worship. No one should have to live in fear because of their faith.
A Dutton Coalition Government will commit up to $35 million to rebuild the Adass Israel Synagogue—ensuring it’s stronger and more secure than ever.
This commitment builds on our broader plan to stand with the Jewish community and push back against rising antisemitism:
• A dedicated Antisemitism Taskforce to track down offenders and deport visa holders involved in antisemitic attacks.
• A full judicial inquiry into antisemitism in universities.
• $32.5 million in security funding to protect schools and synagogues.
• Extra funding for Crime Stoppers to expand its operations and help crack down on extremism and antisemitism.
This is about more than rebuilding a synagogue. It’s about standing up to hate.
An absolute honour to meet 2025 Australian of the Year @nealedaniher to discuss his unwavering fight against MND and the impact of his incredible advocacy.
Neale has helped raise over $100 million for vital research, turning his battle with “the Beast” into a movement of hope and action.
His determination has not only inspired Australians but transformed the fight against MND.
Thank you, Neale. You’re an inspiration to us all.
Enough is enough.
The CFMEU’s lawlessness is driving up housing costs, ripping off taxpayers, overseeing rampant organised crime, and making worksites unsafe. Yet Labor refuses to act.
Today, we’re announcing strong action to clean up the construction industry:
✅ New laws to crack down on criminal organisations, based on the successful US mafia takedown model
✅ A new AFP-led taskforce to target corruption and organised crime
✅ Immediate deregistration of the CFMEU—no more delays, no more weak administration processes
✅ Restoring the building industry watchdog with stronger powers and tougher penalties
Where Labor has been weak, we will act—restoring integrity, strengthening law enforcement, and ensuring a safer, more affordable construction sector for all Australians.
Achievements in Government
DEFENCE
Peter Dutton served as Australia’s Minister for Defence from March 2021 until May 2022. During this period,
Peter:
- Negotiated AUKUS – the most significant advance in Australia’s defence capability in history.
Australia will now acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and is just the second country
(after the UK) to benefit from this US technology. - Restored Defence Funding to 2% of GDP. This followed Labor slashing Defence funding to lowest level
since 1938. - Oversaw the most significant national shipbuilding enterprise since World War II.
- Delivered “REDSPICE” – Australia’s largest investment in intelligence and cyber capabilities.
REDSPICE triples Australia’s offensive cyber capabilities. And doubles our ability to detect and
respond to cyber attacks.
HOME AFFAIRS
Peter Dutton was Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs (2017 to 2021) and Minister for Immigration and
Border Protection (2014 to 2018). As Minister, Peter Dutton:
- Ensured no illegal boat arrivals and saw all children removed from detention.
- Cancelled visas of 6,300 non-citizen dangerous criminals – including for domestic violence, child sex
offenses, assault and armed robbery. - Established world-leading Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
- Closed Australia’s borders early in COVID-19 pandemic – helping save around 40,000 lives.
During this period:
- Security agencies thwarted over 20 terrorist attacks, with ASIO and AFP having record funding and
strengthened powers. - Westpac was hit with largest fine in Australian history ($1.3 billion) for contravening anti-terror and
anti-money laundering legislation.
HEALTH
As Health Minister (2013 to 2014), Peter Dutton:
- Increased hospital funding by 16%. From $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $15.5 billion in 2014-15.
- Increased overall health funding 5.5% From $62.2 billion in 2012-13 to $65.6 billion in
2014-15. - Established Australia’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
- Expanded youth mental health service Headspace – to 100 centres in 2014 Budget. After successfully
lobbying for 60 centres as Shadow Minister in 2010. - Expanded bowel cancer screening for 50–74-year-olds. Cancer Council said this would save 35,000
lives
over the next 40 years. - Delivered more GP training places and nursing scholarships.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
As Assistant Treasurer (2006 and 2007), Peter Dutton was part of John Howard and Peter Costello’s economic
team
that delivered surpluses and lowered taxes.
- Oversaw the expansion of the superannuation co-contribution scheme. Helping low- and middle-income
earners – and particularly women – to save for their retirement. - Simplified the tax system, reducing compliance costs for small business and providing greater support
for
primary producers suffering through drought. - Reformed and simplified the fuel tax system for Australian businesses.